19 (Mostly) Free National Day Activities To Celebrate SG’s Birthday, Besides Watching NDP

In spite of the age-old grouses of high costs of living and our stressful education system, we are inherently proud and thankful to be Singaporean. And there’s something quite magical about gearing up to celebrate our nation’s 61st birthday on 9 August.

Maybe it’s seeing all those Singapore flags adorning our kids’ schools and fluttering outside our home windows. 

Maybe for some of us, it’s attending the annual parade that’s the nation’s biggest and loudest military parade and musical extravaganza.

Beyond just patriotism, it’s also a great time for families to slow down, take a break and create new memories with the kids while sharing with them the stories, traditions and experiences that make Singapore special.

Whatever it is, you’re definitely not alone in that patriotic vibe, cos us too.

It’s not too late to keep riding the high of the lead-up to National Day come 9 August, and extending the celebration thereafter. Here are 19 awesome activities you can enjoy with your family to stay stronger together, and keep shining your light for the road ahead.

The best part? Almost all of these are free. Happy, happy birthday, Singapore!

Istana Open House

Families can take the kids on an educational and fun family outing to the Istana, which is only open five times a year. On July 26, the Istana opens for a special National Day Open House. This year’s event is sports-themed, so the younger ones can try inclusive sports experiences, take part in community fitness challenges, and even meet TeamSG athletes. There’ll also be heritage-inspired craft activities, live music, dance and cultural performances to enjoy throughout the day.

Families who love nature, join NParks volunteers on a one-hour guided tour to learn about the Istana’s role in Singapore’s history, admire its heritage buildings and discover the rich biodiversity within the grounds. Home to more than 260 plant species and a variety of wildlife, the Istana offers kids a chance to explore both nature and history in one visit.

Admission to the Istana is free. Families interested in the guided tour can join for $8 per adult and $4 per child aged four to 12, while children below four enter free.

When: Jul 26, 2026, 9.30am to 8pm
Where: The Istana, Orchard Rd, Singapore 238823
More info: www.istana.gov.sg/visit-and-explore/istana-open-house/visit-us/

Gardens by the Bay and Mediacorp National Day Concert 2026

Celebrate National Day with an evening of music, games and fireworks at the Gardens by the Bay and Mediacorp National Day Concert 2026. Before the concert, families can check out a carnival filled with Singapore-themed game stations. Parents will get to relive their childhood with these nostalgic games while introducing them to the little ones.

After the games, indulge in free old-school ice cream, candy floss, crunchy popcorn while enjoying live performances featuring popular well-loved local artistes like Benjamin Kheng and Hady Mirza. As the night draws to a close, gaze into the skies and admire a stunning fireworks show.

When: Aug 2, 2026, 7.45pm to 9.30pm (doors open at 4.30pm)
Where: Gardens by the Bay
More info: www.gardensbythebay.com.sg/en/things-to-do/calendar-of-events/national-day-concert-2026.html

National Museum Family Day for National Day

Enjoy a day of interactive storytelling, hands-on workshops and captivating performances at the National Museum of Singapore. Be prepared to enjoy an immersive experience through projection mapping that’s inspired by Singapore’s folklore and several craft activities that are free.

Little ones can get creative by assembling their own keycap, or try their hand at puppet making. Families can also head over to the photobooth and capture memorable pictures that will serve as a memento from the day’s celebrations. 

As night falls, spread out a picnic mat and settle in for the live telecast of the National Day Parade. As the telecast is held outdoors, visitors are encouraged to bring an umbrella or poncho.

When: Aug 1 to Aug 12 (craft activities and live telecast only available on Aug 9
Where: National Museum of Singapore
More info: www.nationalmuseum.nhb.gov.sg/national-day-open-house-2026 

Majulah Hunt

For kids that enjoy scavenger hunts, the Majulah Hunt is an activity worth checking out. Embark on an exciting hunt across 61 locations in Singapore, collecting Discoveries and learning more about the stories behind the places, people and moments that shaped the nation.

Families who unlock seven Discoveries can redeem a limited-edition Merlion plushie, with eight unique designs available to collect. For those looking for an even bigger challenge, a secret 61st location will be revealed during the final week of the hunt (Aug 3 to 10). The first 100 explorers to uncover all 61 locations will walk away with the complete collection of all eight Merlion plushies.

When: Now till Aug 10
Where: Various locations around Singapore
More info: www.ndp.gov.sg/going-beyond/majulah-hunt/

Siang Malam di Kampong Gelam: A National Day Celebration

Join in on the celebrations at Sultan Gate Park for a fun-filled National Day experience with the family. Besides watching the parade together, there are plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained throughout the day.

Kids and adults can leave their mark on a community mural inspired by batik, while those who prefer something more laid back can settle in for two local football films, Ordinary and One Leg Kicking. Both films share stories of chasing dreams, overcoming challenges and the friendships built through the love of the game.

Later in the evening, enjoy Colours of Harmony by SwaRythm, a musical performance that brings together Indian, Chinese, Malay and Western influences.

When: Aug 9, from 12pm onwards
Where: Sultan Gate Park
More info: www.malayheritage.gov.sg/whats-on/festivals/siang-malam-di-kampong-gelam

SingNation! National Day Sing-Along

If you’re around the City Hall area, drop by the SingNation! National Day Sing-Along. Families can look forward to an evening of familiar National Day tunes, lively choir performances, and a festive atmosphere in the heart of the city. Young children can sing along to familiar songs they hear every National Day, while parents and grandparents can relive favourites that have been part of Singapore’s celebrations for generations.

When: Aug 8, 7pm to 8pm
Where: Capitol Singapore Outdoor Plaza
More info: www.instagram.com/p/DaXeuDAFaKM/

National Day Sing-Along at Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre (SCCC)

Jointly organised by the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre (SCCC) and the Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations (SFCCA), the National Day Sing-Along is a long-running community event that brings together people of all ages to celebrate Singapore’s independence through music.

Now in its 20th edition, the event features familiar National Day favourites and local folk tunes that many Singaporeans have grown up with. Conducted in both English and Mandarin, the sing-along welcomes families across generations to sing along and enjoy an afternoon celebrating the nation’s independence.

When: Jul 25, 7 to 9pm and Jul 26, 2pm to 6pm
Where: Toa Payoh HDB Hub Mall Square
More info: https://singaporeccc.org.sg/events/national-day-sing-along/

National Day Sing-Along Programme (Voir x New Life)

Westies, rejoice! Head down to Segar for an afternoon of music and fun with Voices in the Rain Children’s Choir (VOIR) and New Life Community Services.

Participants can look forward to a line-up of engaging activities, including vocal warm-ups, body percussion and sound-making sessions, as well as a community sing-along featuring familiar National Day favourites. Families will also get to enjoy a special performance by the VOIR Children’s Choir and light refreshments after the programme.

No singing experience is required, so you can have fun and join in at your own comfort level.

When: Aug 8, 2pm to 4pm
Where: Blk 457A Segar Road
More info: www.eventbrite.sg/e/national-day-sing-along-voir-x-new-life-tickets-1993462469910

National Day Celebration Across MRT Stations and Bus Interchanges

Families who commute via the MRT frequently may want to keep an eye out for SBS Transit and SMRT’s National Day celebrations. From live performances and choir showcases to craft activities at selected stations, the celebrations add a little extra fun to the daily commute.

Selected MRT stations and bus interchanges will also be giving out National Day clappers and other themed souvenirs. To add to the festive atmosphere, familiar National Day favourites will be played across SMRT stations and bus interchanges from Jul 26 to Aug 15.

When: Jul 15 to Aug 15, 2026
Where: Various MRT stations and bus interchanges around Singapore
More info: www.instagram.com/p/Da486s1lv1S/

Singapore’s Stories Live Here: Discover Myths and Legends at NLB’s ALL Things Singapore 2026

Step into a world of myths, legends and folklore at All Things Singapore 2026, where families can discover stories and traditions behind Singapore’s heritage through interactive experiences at the National Library Building and National Archives of Singapore.

Kids can put their problem-solving skills to the test with The Legend of the Garfish, where they can rewrite history by cracking codes, solving puzzles and uncovering hidden clues

Families can also wander through creative installations and also explore Islands of Memory and Myth, a curated display featuring local tales, archival records and soundscapes that bring Singapore’s offshore islands to life. After exploring, seat back and enjoy live performances like The Borrowed Storybook and Sisters’ Island, which bring folklore and history closer to life.

When: Aug 21 to Sep 5, 2026
Where: National Library Building and National Archives of Singapore
More info: www.nlb.gov.sg/main/site/learnx/learnx-singapore/adults/at-sg

Kidpreneurs Kollektive Market: Little Red Dot Market

Planning a fun-filled and inspiring day out for the kids this National Day? Make your way down to the Kidpreneurs Kollektive Market: Little Red Dot Market, where kids aged five to 15 will take centre stage and showcase their skills, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit.

Explore various booths that feature handmade crafts, unique finds, carnival games, and mini workshops. All the booths are entirely ran by kids so it offers young visitors a chance to see what their peers can achieve, while learning more about resilience, entrepreneurship and the value of turning ideas into reality.

When: Aug 29 to 30, 10.30am to 5.30pm
Where: B1 Atrium, Anchorpoint
More info: www.eventbrite.sg/e/kidpreneurs-kollektivetm-market-little-red-dot-market-tickets-1993298649920

Have a picnic at a vantage spot to catch the fireworks

Let’s get real: for most kids, the fireworks are the best part of the entire National Day celebrations. The dazzling display of colours and lights shooting in the air in a fantastical array is quite frankly, mesmerising. Having a relaxing family picnic to enjoy the fireworks in your own bubble makes for a core-memory moment, in our opinion. Check out these free places to catch the NDP fireworks.

Admire some Singapore art at National Gallery Singapore

They say art is a repository of a culture from past to present, and we can totally see why. This National Day, head to the permanent collections of Singapore art at the NGS DBS Singapore Gallery, with paintings depicting snippets of daily life from Singapore’s past such as streetside hawkers selling their food, life along the Singapore river, and people striving to learn the Malay language in 1959. With more than 300 pieces of art altogether depicting a compelling narrative of Singapore from the 19th century till today, you will be taken on a visual trip down memory lane.

Visit the National Orchid Garden at the Botanic Gardens

You (and your child) probably already know that the Vanda Miss Joaquim is our national flower, but did you know that it can only be found in two places in Singapore? The first is at Miss Joaquim’s tombstone, and the second is at the National Orchid Garden. Other than seeing our national flower up close and personal, you can also admire more than 2,000 orchid hybrids and 1,000 species of orchids.

Go on a local food trail at hawker centres

Popiah, char kway teow, satay, roti john, laksa, rojak – the list of multicultural local delights runs pretty long, and that’s what we love most about our hawker fare. Take your fam out on a culinary adventure, chasing down your favourite dishes while researching about their history and variations. Grab some books about our hawker food from the library to read to your kids and check out our list of best hawker stalls around Singapore before making that hawker centre outing.

Read books by local authors

Books are windows and mirrors that show us and reflect what it means to live in Singapore and be Singaporean. In the lead up to National Day, open up the conversation at home with some wonderful local reads. There’s lots to choose from, for kids of all ages. From local retellings of fairytales, to books about everyday life and places in Singapore, to informative and humorous fact books about Singapore, and even young adult fantasy novels – you’ll have no lack of choices.

Learn a traditional art form and get in touch with your roots

Some of us learn best when doing something with our hands. How about registering for an art workshop where you can create some traditional local crafts to get in touch with our Singaporean heritage? Bring these aspects of our culture to life and right into your home with your created masterpieces, with activities like Peranakan beading, tingkat painting, batik painting, and even ang ku kueh workshops.

Attempt to make a local dish at home

You know what they say about cooking – if you like to eat it, you ought to learn how to cook it. Cooking up some local favourites this National Day is an excellent way for us to teach our children about traditions and culture. For example, making some char kway teow at home with the kids is a chance for us to explain how the dish was originally meant to be cheap and high in fat meant for manual labourers – merely comprising flat rice noodles fried in dark soya sauce, lard, eggs, and bean sprouts. It’s great fun for the family and as an added bonus, kids are a lot more willing to eat food that they cook themselves.

Play some homegrown card games

National Day is the perfect reason to try a new local game or two with the family. Teach your kids the beloved aspects of Singaporean culture with games like Kopi King, Hawker Wars, and Chope about our hawker culture; Durian Dash and Teabbles about our love for the king of fruit and bubble tea; and Singapore 1889 and The Singaporean Dream about our history and our future. These games with a local flavour are slowly but surely gaining popularity.

Have a movie marathon with our greatest local hits

Made-in-Singapore movies are not many, but the ones that are out there are gems in their own right in depicting and talking about unique aspects of Singapore culture. And there’s no better time to rediscover these movies than during the National Day season! Some titles you can start with are: I Not Stupid and its subsequent versions, and We Not Naughty are heartfelt movies that talk about the stresses kids face in schools; Homerun explores the bonds between siblings, and Taxi Taxi chronicles the humorous adventures of a taxi driver. Grab some old-school snacks and kueh, and settle in for a whole day of movie magic at home.